E-site Demonstrated in MWC '09

Flexenclosure is currently demonstrating a full scale operational E-site base station at the Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona.

Early last year, Swedish company Flexenclosure made waves by debuting E-site; an alternative energy-powered base station for mobile networks. The structure was originally developed as a response to Ericsson's request for a project in Africa. E-site provides an alternative to diesel-powered base stations that consume 20,000 liters of fuel per year. It comes with a 197-230 feet wind turbine attached to the tower that's sensitive to gentler winds compared to conventional turbines. Another source of alternative energy in the form of solar power is harnessed through panels attached on the roof.

The power collected from these natural sources are stored in a battery to be able to provide energy to the base station even at night. Installation of E-sites admittedly costs more than conventional base stations, but Flexenclosure claims return of investment is possible within 15 to 18 months. Moreover, operational costs within a five-year period would be around $120,000 to $150,000 or 80 percent less than expected. The company is currently demonstrating a full scale operational E-site base station at the Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona.